RBC's support expands reach of UBC Aboriginal math camps in rural BC

Date: 06/21/2013

June 19, 2013

About 100 Aboriginal children in rural BC will be able to attend math
summer camps hosted by the University of British Columbia thanks to a
$30,000 gift from the RBC Foundation. The camps, organized by the
Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) and UBC
Mathematics, are a key part of the University's efforts to foster an
interest in mathematics among Aboriginal K-12 students.

In 2010-2011 less than 10 per cent of Aboriginal students in British
Columbia completed Principles of Math (POM) 12, which is required level
to enter university science programs. Students in rural schools can find
it even more challenging to access mathematics resources to complete
the requirement. RBC’s gift will help expand math outreach into rural
areas.

“Math skills are very important,” says Melania Alvarez, BC Education
Coordinator at PIMS. “If students want to pursue a career in the
sciences, whether they want to be video game programmers or physicists,
they need good math skills. Most importantly, students feel empowered
when they excel in math.”

Over the past six years, PIMS and UBC have worked with approximately
1,000 Aboriginal students, 200 teachers at First Nations schools, and
many public schools with a substantial percentage of Aboriginal
students. Their efforts are increasing graduation rates for Aboriginal
students, and providing them with a solid foundation in mathematics.

“We now have Aboriginal students taking undergraduate studies in
mathematics. We have aboriginal students qualifying for pre-medicine and
nursing programs. A number of our students have pre-qualified for
apprenticeship training,” says Alvarez. “Mathematics can open a world of
possibilities to Aboriginal students.”

Alvarez accepted RBC’s cheque in support of the Aboriginal Math
Outreach Program during a ceremony at Britannia Secondary School, site
of one of the urban outreach programs. RBC representative Kim Roberts
presented the cheque. Several students who successfully completed the
program at Britannia also attended, including two students accepted to
UBC this year.

"RBC is committed to helping improve the quality of life for
individuals, families and communities. We are proud to support the
Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences and the summer math
camps for Aboriginal students,” says Roberts. “We believe these camps
will make a meaningful difference for the youth involved, not only by
helping maintain their math skills during the summer break, but also by
encouraging a love for learning.”

The Aboriginal math camps will be held in Mount Currie, Lytton, Sooke
and 100 Mile House this summer, with more locations to be added next
year.